A Creeping Tension

According to PLOS Medicine, a leading open-access medical journal, less than 10 per cent people suffering from hypertension in India have their blood pressure under control. Many aged 15–49 years are not even aware of their status, says the study which was conducted by the Public Health Foundation of India and other international bodies. Says Dr Dorairaj Prabhakaran, one of the lead researchers, “The treatment is not complicated. But first we must recognize, diagnose and treat it." Hypertension can lead to cardiovascular diseases and other complications. “Reduce the intake of salt, watch your weight and increase fruits and vegetables in your diet,” Prabhakaran advises.